Portraits of Popular Breeds at Home and Abroad: The European Shorthair

This breed looks a lot like common domestic cats you can see in the streets. The allowed fur colours are only the so-called “natural”, i.e. black, red, tortoiseshell blue, blue and cream. Combinations with white spots, white patterns or pure white are also possible.

Thanks to its common look, colour and its resemblance to the British Shorthair and American Shorthair, these cats are not as popular as some more exotic breeds. Basically, they are only popular in Scandinavia where they are kept very often.

They are medium-sized to large cats with the sturdy and well-muscled body. Practically, they only differ from common cats because of their stable breed characteristics and better hair. The hair is short, springy and glossy. Taking care of it takes only minimum amount of time (with the exception of moulting periods).

The nature of the European Shorthair is not as definite as it is in other breeds. It is caused by the fact that this breed emerged from common domestic cats which are very different in nature. Therefore, some are cuddly couch potatoes and others are solitary hunters.

However, their character is inherited to a certain level, so the nature of the kittens can be predicted based on the nature of their parents. Most European Shorthairs are friendly. They get on well with other cats as well as dogs. They are intelligent and playful. That is something they all have in common which also applies to the fact they are healthy and strong cats. Almost every cat of this breed is capable of keeping your household mouse-free.

Even though this is practically a common domestic cat which doesn’t stand out with its appearance nor its characteristic features, the pure blood still has its benefits. You can be sure that it doesn’t have any hereditary disease or character fault such as shyness or aggression.